This guide provides a clear overview of the playable character classes in The Forever Winter, explaining their skills and what they bring to the game.
The Forever Winter Scavs Guide
These impressions come from early gameplay experiences and are based on how each Scav performs in terms of speed, looting, and teamwork. The rankings are based on gameplay, not character appearance. Looks don’t help you survive or collect more loot.
Each character class is ranked on a scale of 1 to 3 in three different categories:
- 1: Below average
- 2: Decent
- 3: Strong
The three categories:
- Speed: How fast is this character?
- Loot: How effective is this character at collecting loot?
- Squad: How well does this character perform in a team, especially in combat?
From experience, no Scav is inherently better at sneaking compared to another. Staying hidden relies on distance and using vertical spaces. If you can’t be far from enemies, stay above them. Otherwise, get as far away as possible. For combat, it’s best to use suppressed weapons like the M4A1 or G19, which can be unlocked early. Both are affordable, and suppressors help keep combat quieter. Pistols shouldn’t be underestimated either; they are lightweight, and a few accurate shots can take down enemies. While combat is easier with a squad, solo players should prioritize speed and stealth.
Old Man – The Combat Medic
Old Man is one of the primary Scavs featured in game trailers. His focus is on medical skills, rifles, heavy rifles, and special armor rigs. In the early game, weapon skills don’t provide much benefit for solo players, as each level only increases accuracy by 5%, maxing out at 25%. In a game where combat is not always the best option, this boost is minimal.
He cannot use SMGs, LMGs, HMGs, or grenade launchers.
Rankings:
- Speed: 1 – Old Man’s speed only improves through prestige, making him slower compared to other Scavs from the start. He isn’t ideal for fast-paced solo play.
- Loot: 2 – As one of only two Scavs with access to unique Rig skill trees, he’s useful for loot collection, though the rigs are expensive.
- Squad: 3 – Old Man is a strong team player thanks to his healing skills. His proficiency with rifles and heavy rifles makes him a solid all-rounder in combat.
Summary: Old Man may be slower and less suited to solo play, but he excels in team settings, especially in healing and ranged combat.
Scav Girl – The Lightning Bolt
Scav Girl specializes in speed but comes with a downside: low health (only 800 HP). Even as she levels up, she remains the weakest in terms of health compared to other characters. However, she’s one of only two Scavs with access to the Sprinting skill tree, making her top-tier for fast-paced play.
She has limited weapon options (pistols and SMGs) early in the game, with no access to guns that can be modified with suppressors. This weakens her combat potential.
She cannot use heavy rifles, LMGs, HMGs, or grenade launchers.
Rankings:
- Speed: 3 – With the Sprinting skill tree, she becomes one of the hardest characters to catch.
- Loot: 2 – She’s decent for quick looting, but there are better Scavs for this role.
- Squad: 1 – Limited weapon options make her less useful in team play, as her pistols and SMGs don’t contribute much to firefights.
Summary: Scav Girl is perfect for fast solo runs, but her low health and limited combat options make her less valuable in team play.
Mask Man – The Sledgehammer
Mask Man is all about combat. He has access to powerful weapons, including LMGs and grenade launchers, but lacks mobility and looting skills. If you’re looking to deal damage, Mask Man is a solid pick. However, his lack of speed and looting skills makes him less versatile.
He cannot use HMGs.
Rankings:
- Speed: 1 – Without the Sprinting skill tree, he’s slow and can easily be overwhelmed by enemies.
- Loot: 1 – With no access to carry weight or rig skills, Mask Man is not suited for looting.
- Squad: 3 – Mask Man excels in combat-focused teams, especially when heavy firepower is needed.
Summary: Mask Man is a strong choice for combat-heavy gameplay but lacks speed and looting capabilities.
Shaman – The Master of None
Shaman is a balanced character, combining speed and looting skills. He’s the only Scav with access to both the Sprinting and Carry Weight skill trees, making him a versatile option for players who value mobility and the ability to carry more loot. However, he doesn’t excel in any one area.
He cannot use heavy rifles, LMGs, HMGs, or grenade launchers.
Rankings:
- Speed: 2 – While he has the Sprinting skill tree, his max speed is lower than Scav Girl, making him the second-fastest Scav.
- Loot: 2 – Shaman’s carry weight skills allow him to take more loot, though he’s outclassed by other Scavs like Bag Man in this category.
- Squad: 2 – Shaman’s skills in shotguns and SMGs make him useful in close-quarters combat, but he lacks range compared to other characters.
Summary: Shaman is a great middle-ground character, combining decent speed and looting skills with combat abilities. He’s a solid all-rounder but doesn’t excel in any single area.
Gunhead
Gunhead hasn’t been released yet, but based on promotional material, it looks like he’ll be able to use rifles, shotguns, SMGs, and LMGs. He’s likely to be combat-focused, with possible carry weight and rig skills due to his robotic nature.
Bag Man – The Macho Man
Bag Man focuses on health and looting. He starts with the highest health among the Scavs and can carry the most loot thanks to his level 5 Carry Weight skill tree. He’s also one of two Scavs who can use grenade launchers, making him a valuable asset in team-based combat.
He cannot use pistols or SMGs.
Rankings:
- Speed: 0 – Bag Man is the slowest Scav, even at max level.
- Loot: 3 – With the highest carry weight, he’s unmatched in terms of loot collection.
- Squad: 3 – Bag Man is a great addition to combat-focused teams, thanks to his ability to use heavy weapons and carry lots of ammunition.
Summary: Bag Man is a powerful support character for team play, but his slow speed makes him less ideal for solo runs.